Kenyan President William Ruto has hardened his stance against anti-government demonstrations, branding violent protesters “terrorists” and warning that security forces will deal with them using the same force applied against bandits and insurgents. Ruto said anyone vandalising property or attacking police should be shot in the leg and taken to court, adding that he had “endured enough” and would not allow further disruption or destruction. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reinforced the message, telling officers to “shoot on sight” looters and arsonists and pledging legal support for police accused of excessive force. The government’s rhetoric marks an escalation in its effort to quell protests that have rattled several cities since early June. The unrest began after a blogger died in police custody and intensified on 25 June, when clashes left at least 16 people dead, according to human-rights monitors. The United Nations Human Rights Commission has criticised Nairobi for what it called unlawful killings and the use of live ammunition against demonstrators, urging respect for the rights to peaceful assembly and expression. Opposition leader Raila Odinga warned that shoot-to-kill or maim orders violate the rule of law and risk fuelling further violence. Civil-society groups are calling for accountability over alleged police brutality, while the administration insists firm action is needed to protect lives and property.